By state law, any male who believes he may be the father of a child born in Kentucky may register his name with the Cabinet for inclusion in the Putative Father Registry. Any private agency or independent adoption finalized in Kentucky must include a Putative Father Registry search.

Any party to a court case involving adoption may ask the Cabinet to search the Putative Father Registry to determine if a putative father has registered. The registry both expedites the adoption process and helps registered putative fathers ensure they are included in adoption proceedings. Registration with the Putative Father Registry does not establish paternity. 

If you have questions, please call (859) 274-6644.